Colored contact lens and method of making same

ABSTRACT

A method for coloring contact lenses comprises storing a generally annular-shaped initial iris image in a computer. The initial iris image comprises a plurality of color elements. The method further comprises applying a filtering process to the initial iris image in a manner to replace at least portions of at least some of the color elements with generally uncolored regions to form a filtered iris image, and using a printer apparatus, in communication with the computer, in a manner to print the filtered iris image on a contact lens substrate.

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/897,011, filed Jun. 29, 2001, entitled ColoredContact Lens And Method Of Making Same, and incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to colored contact lenses and methods ofmaking colored contact lenses.

[0003] Colored contact lenses are often used for cosmetic purposes tochange the apparent color of a wearer's irises. For example, a personwith brown or blue eyes desiring to have green eyes may wear greencolored contact lenses to change the apparent color of a wearer's iristo green.

[0004] Conventional colored contact lenses (also called cosmetic contactlenses) typically depend on the lens wearer's iris structure to impartan apparent color change to the wearer's iris. Such contact lenses havea colored iris pattern thereon. The pattern comprises discreet opaquecolor elements with generally non-colored areas (e.g., clear or slightlycolored translucent areas) within the interstices of the pattern's colorelements. Knapp U.S. Pat. No. 4,582,402 discloses that a contact lenshaving an adequate amount of discreet opaque pigmented elements in thepattern combined with non-colored areas which permit the wearer's irisstructure to show through provides a sufficiently realistic andattractive illusion of iris color change to convince a casual observerthat the iris color is natural, at least when the casual observer is atleast five feet away.

[0005] A disadvantage associated with such prior art cosmetic contactlenses is that the apparent eye color of some people wearing the lensesdoes not look natural even when the casual observer is more than fivefeet away. In particular, the apparent color does not look natural whenthe actual color of the wearer's iris is in sharp contrast with theopaque color of the contact lens pattern. Thus, for many people, suchconventional cosmetic contact lenses are not a viable way for changingapparent iris color.

[0006] Another disadvantage associated with such prior art cosmeticcontact lenses is that even when worn by wearers for whom the contactlenses are intended, the apparent iris color looks natural only whenviewed from a distance of at least five feet by an ordinary viewer(i.e., a person having normal 20/20 vision). The ordinary viewer viewingthe wearer's eyes from a closer distance might determine that thepattern is not a naturally occurring pattern. In other words, theordinary viewer might correctly determine that the wearer is wearingcolored contact lenses.

[0007] Jahnke U.S. Pat. No. 5,414,477 and O'Campo U.S. Pat. No.5,963,705, like the Knapp patent, disclose contact lenses having opaqueintermittent elements and non-colored regions through which significantportions of the wearer's iris structure are visible. These patentsdisclose making the intermittent elements of a single contact lenshaving up to three different color elements. The additional lens colorshelp to blend the color contrasting that occurs between the wearer'siris and the colored elements placed on the contact lens. However,because the typical human iris has more than 1000 distinct colors, theprior art cosmetic contact lenses do not provide anything close to auniversally appealing opaque contact lens.

[0008] Another disadvantage of conventional cosmetic contact lenses isthat such lenses merely attempt to change the apparent color of wearer'sirises. The lens patterns of such cosmetic contact lenses do not emulatethe detail and attractive structure of a natural human iris.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Among the several objects and advantages of the present inventionmay be noted the provision of an improved colored contact lens; theprovision of such a colored contact lens capable of effectuating anatural appearing color change to irises of a larger group of peoplethan prior art contact lenses; the provision of a contact lens capableof effectuating a natural looking change in the appearance of thewearer's iris regardless of the actual color of the wearer's iris; theprovision of such a colored contact lens having an iris section coloredin a manner to effectuate a change in the appearance of the wearer'siris but which makes the presence of the contact lens substantiallyimperceptible to an observer observing the wearer's eyes from a closedistance; the provision of a colored contact lens which more closelyresembles some of the intricate structural components a human iris; andthe provision of a method of coloring a lens substrate to form a coloredlens having a pattern of greater intricacy.

[0010] Generally, a method of the present invention is for coloringcontact lenses. The method comprises storing a generally annular-shapedinitial iris image in a computer. The initial iris image comprises aplurality of color elements. The method further comprises applying afiltering process to the initial iris image in a manner to replace atleast portions of at least some of the color elements with generallyuncolored regions to form a filtered iris image, and using a printerapparatus, in communication with the computer, in a manner to print thefiltered iris image on a contact lens substrate.

[0011] Another aspect of the present invention is a colored contact lenscomprising, a generally uncolored pupil region, a generallyannular-shaped iris region surrounding the pupil region, and amulticolored pattern on the iris region. The iris region is adapted tocover at least 80% of a wearer's iris when the wearer is wearing thecontact lens, The multicolored pattern is sufficiently colored to changethe apparent color of an iris of a person wearing the contact lens. Themulticolored pattern comprises a plurality of color elements. More than1000 discrete generally uncolored regions are defined by the colorelements. At least 1000 of the discrete generally uncolored regions aresufficiently small such that an ordinary viewer viewing the contact lensfrom a distance of sixteen inches cannot detect the presence of any ofthe at least 1000 generally uncolored regions when the wearer is wearingthe contact lens, the ordinary viewer having 20/20 vision.

[0012] Another aspect of the present invention is a colored contact lenscomprising a generally uncolored pupil region and a generallyannular-shaped iris region surrounding the pupil region and adapted tocover at least 80% of a wearer's iris when the wearer is wearing thecontact lens. A multicolored pattern is on the iris region. Themulticolored pattern is sufficiently colored to change the apparentcolor of an iris of a person wearing the contact lens. The multicoloredpattern comprises a plurality of color elements. A plurality of discretegenerally uncolored regions are defined by at least some of the colorelements. The generally uncolored regions are sufficiently small suchthat an ordinary viewer viewing the contact lens from a distance ofsixteen inches cannot detect the presence of the generally uncoloredregions when the wearer is wearing the contact lens. The generallyuncolored regions are sufficiently large such that the generallyuncolored regions contribute to the overall appearance of the contactlens as viewed by the ordinary viewer from a distance of sixteen inches,the ordinary viewer having 20/20 vision.

[0013] Another aspect of the present invention is a colored contact lenscomprising a generally uncolored pupil region and a generallyannular-shaped iris region surrounding the pupil region and adapted tocover at least 80% of a wearer's iris when the wearer is wearing thecontact lens. A multicolored pattern is on the iris region. Themulticolored pattern is sufficiently colored to change the apparentcolor of an iris of a person wearing the contact lens. The multicoloredpattern comprises a plurality of discrete color regions. Generallyuncolored interstices are between at least some of the discrete colorregions. The interstices are sufficiently small such that an ordinaryviewer viewing the contact lens from a distance of sixteen inches cannotdetect the presence of the interstices when the wearer is wearing thecontact lens. The interstices are sufficiently large such that theinterstices contribute to the overall appearance of the contact lens asviewed by the ordinary viewer from a distance of sixteen inches, theordinary viewer having 20/20 vision.

[0014] Another aspect of the present invention is a colored contact lenscomprising a generally uncolored pupil region and a generallyannular-shaped iris region surrounding the pupil region and adapted tocover at least 80% of a wearer's iris when the wearer is wearing thecontact lens. A multicolored pattern is on the iris region. Themulticolored pattern is sufficiently colored to change the apparentcolor of an iris of a person wearing the contact lens. The multicoloredpattern comprises a plurality of color elements. The multicoloredpattern comprises an annular-shaped outer region and an annular-shapedinner region. The outer region generally circumscribes the inner region.The outer region has a first plurality of generally uncolored regionsdefined by some of the colored elements. The inner region has a secondplurality of generally uncolored regions defined by some of the coloredelements. The first plurality of the generally uncolored regions combineto have a first aggregate uncolored area. The second plurality of thegenerally uncolored region combine to have a second aggregate uncoloredarea. At least 60% of the first aggregate uncolored area is comprised ofgenerally uncolored regions each having an area not greater thanapproximately 900 square microns. At least 50% of the second aggregateuncolored area is comprised of generally uncolored regions each havingan area greater than approximately 900 square microns.

[0015] Another aspect of the present invention is a colored contact lenscomprising a generally uncolored pupil region and a generallyannular-shaped iris region surrounding the pupil region and adapted tocover at least 80% of a wearer's iris when the wearer is wearing thecontact lens. A multicolored pattern is on the iris region. Themulticolored pattern is sufficiently colored to change the apparentcolor of an iris of a person wearing the contact lens. The multicoloredpattern comprises a plurality of color elements. The multicoloredpattern comprises an annular-shaped outer region and an annular shapedinner region. The outer region generally circumscribes the inner region.The outer region has a first plurality of generally uncolored regionsdefined by some of the colored elements. The inner region has a secondplurality of generally uncolored regions defined by some of the coloredelements. Each of at least 60% of the generally uncolored regions of thefirst plurality of generally uncolored regions has an area not greaterthan approximately 900 square microns. Each of at least 50% of thegenerally uncolored regions of the second plurality of generallyuncolored regions has an area greater than approximately 900 squaremicrons.

[0016] Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in partpointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017]FIG. 1 is an enlarged top plan view of a cosmetic contact lens ofthe present invention, the contact lens having a contact lens substrateand a multicolored pattern on the substrate;

[0018]FIG. 2 is a top plan view showing an epithelial region of themulticolored pattern of FIG. 1;

[0019]FIG. 3 is a top plan view showing a pupillary margin region of themulticolored pattern of FIG. 1;

[0020]FIG. 4 is a top plan view showing a collarette region of themulticolored pattern of FIG. 1;

[0021]FIG. 5 is a top plan view showing crypts of Fuchs elements of themulticolored pattern of FIG. 1;

[0022]FIG. 6 is a top plan view showing of the multicolored pattern of adilator pupillae region FIG. 1;

[0023]FIG. 7 is a highly enlarged, fragmented, top plan view of aportion of the multicolored pattern of FIG. 1 showing colored elementsand uncolored regions of the pattern;

[0024]FIG. 8 is a schematic of an inkjet printer of the presentinvention;

[0025]FIG. 9 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a multicoloredpattern; and

[0026]FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a method of the present invention fortransferring an iris image to a contact lens substrate.

[0027] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views of the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0028] Referring now to the drawings and first more particularly to FIG.1, a contact lens of the present invention is indicated in its entiretyby the reference numeral 20. The contact lens 20 comprises a contactlens substrate 21 having a generally uncolored pupil region, generallyindicated at 22, an annular-shaped iris region, generally indicated at24. The lens substrate 21 is preferably a hydrophilic contact lens. Theannular-shaped iris region 24 surrounds the pupil region 22. The contactlens 20 further comprises a multicolored pattern, generally indicated at26, on the lens substrate 21. The multicolored pattern 26 is on the irisregion 24. As used herein, the phrase “generally uncolored” whenreferring to a region of the contact lens means the region is eitherclear, transparent, or only slightly colored and translucent andnon-opaque. The pupil region 22 must be sufficiently devoid of colorantto enable the wearer to see through the contact lens.

[0029] The multicolored pattern 26 preferably has a visual appearance ofmany of the structural components of a human iris. However, because themulticolored pattern 26 is represented in black and white in FIG. 1, thestructural components are not as apparent as if viewed in color. Thus,to increase the reader's understanding of the preferred embodiment ofthe multicolored pattern 26, the pattern has been broken down intodifferent multiple colored “layers” shown in FIGS. 2-6. Although thedifferent layers may be serially printed on the contact lens substrate,it is preferable that all layers simultaneously be printed on thecontact lens substrate via an inkjet printing process. In other words,the multicolored pattern 26 is broken down herein into constituent partsto facilitate an understanding of the components of the pattern and notbecause such a breakdown is necessary.

[0030] The multicolored pattern 26 preferably comprises an epithelialregion generally indicated at 28 (FIG. 2), a pupillary margin regiongenerally indicated at 30 (FIG. 3), a collarette region generallyindicated at 32 (FIG. 4), crypts of Fuchs elements 34 (FIG. 5), and adilator pupillae region generally indicated at 36 (FIG. 6). Each of theabove regions are preferably comprised of a plurality of coloredelements or a combination of colored and non-colored elements. A coloredelement is preferably of a colorant sufficiently opaque to mask theunderlying region of the wearer's iris. An uncolored element ispreferably clear, but may be slightly colored by a colorant which issufficiently opaque so as not to mask the underlying region of thewearer's iris. Also preferably, the color elements which make up theregions do not overlap. In other words, the multicolored patternpreferably has no portion which is more than one color layer thick.

[0031] The epithelial region 28 (FIG. 2) preferably simulates theepithelium of an exemplary human iris. The epithelium of a human irisprovides the iris' basic color. It comprises a collective grouping ofpigmented cells referred to as melanocytes. Melanocytes are generallyuniform in shape. The epithelial region 28 preferably includes aplurality of shades of the same basic color. For example, a bluecosmetic contact lens of the present invention preferably has anepithelial region comprising at least a plurality of different shades ofblue whereas a green cosmetic contact lens of the present inventionpreferably has an epithelial region comprising at least a plurality ofdifferent shades of green.

[0032] The pupillary margin region 30 (FIG. 3) preferably simulates thepupillary band and inner sphincter pupillary constrictor muscles of anexemplary human iris. The pupillary margin region preferably includes agenerally annular-shaped band 44 and a plurality of radially extendingprojections (fingers) 46. The band 44 surrounds the pupil region.Preferably, at least 90% of the band is within a radius of 4 mm from thepupil region's center 50, and more preferably 100% of the band is withina radius of 4 mm from the pupil region's center. In other words, 100% ofthe band 44 is preferably contained within an imaginary circle having adiameter of 8 mm. The projections 46 represent the sphincter pupillaryconstrictor muscles of an exemplary human iris. Preferably, at least 90%of the aggregate of the projections 46 is within a radius of 5 mm fromthe center 50 of the pupil region 22, and more preferably 100% of theaggregate of the projections is within 5 mm from the pupil region'scenter 50. In other words, all portions of the projections arepreferably contained within an imaginary circle having a diameter of 10mm. It is to be understood that the dimensions referred to herein are ofthe multicolored pattern when the colored contact lens is in a hydratedcondition, i.e., one in a condition for being worn by the wearer. Theprojections 46 are also preferably spaced from one another to definegenerally radially extending grooves between them. Preferably, the band44 is of a predominately first color and the projections 46 are of apredominately second color lighter than the first color. Morepreferably, the colored elements of the band 44 are of generally dark,light-absorbing colors and the colored elements of the projections areof generally lighter, light-reflecting colors.

[0033] The collarette region 32 (FIG. 4) preferably simulates dilationfolds of an exemplary human iris. The collarette region 32 is comprisedof a plurality of the color elements of the multicolored pattern 26. Thecollarette region 32 comprises a collarette band 54 at leastsubstantially surrounding the pupil region. The collarette band 54 has agenerally jagged outer periphery 56 and a generally jagged innerperiphery 58. The collarette band 54 is preferably asymmetrical and hasa width. The width of the collarette band 54 at any point along theinner periphery 58 is the shortest distance from such point to the outerperiphery. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 the width of the collaretteband 54 at point p1 of the inner periphery 58 is w1, and the width ofthe collarette band at point p2 of the inner periphery is w2. The widthof the collarette band 54 preferably ranges from 0.5 mm to 2 mm wide.More preferably, the width of the band at any point of at least 50% ofthe inner periphery 58 is no greater than approximately 1 mm, and thewidth of the band at any point of at least 80% of the inner periphery isno greater than approximately 1.5 mm. The collarette band 54 has aninward-most (first) portion 60 preferably spaced less than 4 mm from thecenter 50 of the pupil region 22 and an outward-most (second) portion 62spaced at least 6.5 mm from the center of the pupil region.

[0034] The crypts of Fuchs elements 34 (FIG. 5) simulates crypts ofFuchs of an exemplary human iris. The appearance of crypts of Fuchs ofan exemplary human iris are characterized by small, relatively dark,light-absorbing discreet areas devoid of stroma related fibers. Such acrypts of Fuchs has somewhat of an appearance of a tiny crater which isgenerally oblong in shape. The crypts of Fuchs elements 34 are comprisedof some of the color elements of the multicolored pattern 26 andcontrast in color with the color elements adjacent the crypts of Fuchselements. The crypts of Fuchs elements 34 are generally oblong in shapeand preferably extend generally radially away from the pupil region 22.More preferably, the crypts of Fuchs elements preferably have an ovalshape and a width of at least 45 micrometers.

[0035] The dilator pupillae region 36 (FIG. 6) preferably simulates adilator pupillae of an exemplary human iris. The dilator pupillae region36 comprises a plurality of radial streaks 64 simulating variousconnective tissues and fibers extending from the sclera to the sphincterpupillae. Preferably, the streaks 64 of the dilator pupillae region 36comprise a series of streaks of generally alternating light reflectingand light absorbing colors.

[0036] Reference is now made to FIG. 7 which shows a highly enlargedportion of the multicolored pattern 26. The multicolored pattern 26comprises colored elements 70 and uncolored regions 72, 74, 76, 78defined by one or more of the colored elements. Although it is to beunderstood that the pattern 26 may include several relatively largeuncolored regions, the pattern preferably also includes many smalluncolored regions. The uncolored regions 72, 74, 76, 78 are someexamples of the types of small uncolored regions preferably included inthe pattern 26. Each small uncolored region comprises at least onegenerally uncolored segment 72 a, 74 a, 76 a, 78 a having a length of atleast 30 microns and a width of no greater than 60 microns. Eachuncolored segment preferably has a width no greater than 40 microns andmore preferably no greater than 30 microns. The uncolored segment may berelatively long and have a length of at least 100 microns (e.g., segment72 a). The uncolored region may be completely encircled by one colorelement (e.g., uncolored region 74). Also, the uncolored segment maycomprise the entirety of the color region (e.g., uncolored region 74).The uncolored segment may be of any shape without departing from thescope of the present invention.

[0037] A person with typical vision unaided by any magnification deviceis unable to discern the presence of a small uncolored region (e.g., acircular-shaped region having a diameter of 30 microns or an elongateregion having a width of 30 microns) regardless of how close the personis to the uncolored region. It is envisioned that the multicoloredpattern 26 may comprise more than 1000 small uncolored segments or evenmore than 10,000 small uncolored segments. Additionally, the pattern 26may comprise more than 1000 discrete generally uncolored regions or evenmore than 10,000 discrete generally uncolored regions. Preferably, morethan at least 10,000 of the discrete generally uncolored regions aresufficiently small such that an ordinary viewer viewing the contact lensfrom a distance of sixteen inches cannot detect the presence of any ofthe at least 10,000 generally uncolored regions when the wearer iswearing the contact lens. As used herein, the “ordinary viewer” is aperson having 20/20 vision viewing the contact lens without the aid ofany magnification or other devices. Also preferably, the generallyuncolored regions are sufficiently large such that the generallyuncolored regions contribute to the overall appearance of the contactlens as viewed by the ordinary viewer from a distance of sixteen inches.Further, each of at least a majority of the generally uncolored regionspreferably has an area of not greater than approximately 1200 squaremicrons, and more preferably has an area of not greater thanapproximately 900 square microns.

[0038] The inclusion of small uncolored regions or uncolored segments inthe multicolored pattern 26 enables the contact lensdesigner/manufacturer to provide a cosmetic contact lens in which thecolor elements of the pattern may blend with the composite color tonesor basic iris shades of the wearer's irises. Because of the small sizeand large number of the segments, the blending will create a naturalappearance even if a wide contrast exists between the basic color of thewearer's iris (e.g., dark brown) and the basic color of the multicoloredpattern 26 (e.g., light blue). Moreover, it is to be understood that ahuman iris is as unique as a fingerprint. By providing a multicoloredpattern with a large number of small uncolored regions, the appearanceof each wearer's iris will still be unique, albeit very different thanthe appearance of the wearer's natural iris. Another benefit of thepreferred multicolored pattern 26 is that the pattern addresses a needfor a cosmetically appealing iris prosthesis for individuals needingfull coverage of their irises to cover abnormalities on the iris causedby trauma scarring, genetic or congenital aberrations (such asheterochromia), legacy scarring from disease (e.g., herpes simplexulcers, diabetic retinopathy), or remnants of past lesions resulting inpermanent iris or cornea disfigurement. Because of the smallness of theuncolored regions, the structure of the abnormality will not showthrough.

[0039] The multicolored pattern 26 is preferably printed on the contactlens 20 via an inkjet printing process, such as that described inco-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/821,620, filed Mar. 29,2001, entitled Colored Contact Lens And Method Of Making Same, andhereby incorporated herein by reference. A schematic of anotherembodiment of an inkjet printer, generally indicated at 80, is shown inFIG. 8. Preferably, the inkjet printer 80 directly deposits colorantsonto the contact lens substrate to directly deposit the multicoloredpattern on the substrate. The printer 80 may be any suitable inkjetprinter, such as an Epson Stylus 1280 or a Hewlett Packard Desk Jet970Cse. Preferably, the printer 80 is adapted to receive a lens-holdingcarrier 82. Preferably, the carrier comprises first and second magneticsheets 84, 86 joined together by their polar properties. The first sheet84 (also called the cut sheet) preferably includes a plurality ofcircular holes 88. Each circular hole 88 preferably has a diameter ofapproximately one millimeter less that the diameter of the non-hydratedlens substrate 21. The second sheet 86 preferably has no holes. Inoperation, one or more lens substrates 21 are placed between the sheetsand aligned with the holes on the cut sheet so that the convex surfaceof the substrates face the holes 88 and so that the iris region 24 isexposed as a print surface. The inkjet printer 80 further comprises aprint-head carrier mechanism 90. Preferably the print-head carriermechanism 90 is spaced sufficiently from the lens print surface as thelens carrier 82 is fed through the printer to allow sufficient clearancefor the print-head carrier to pass freely over the lens substrate 21during transfer of the multicolored pattern 26 onto the substrate. Alsopreferably, the spacing of the print-head carrier and the shape of theimage to be printed onto the lens substrate are selected to compensatefor the convex dome-shaped surface of the lens substrate. Additionallyor alternatively, the print-head carrier mechanism 90 and/or the carrierfeed mechanism (not shown) may be configured to move in a manner tomaintain a perpendicular orientation and equal spacing of the print-headcarrier mechanism to the portion of the lens to which colorant is beingdeposited.

[0040] The inkjet printer 80 prints the multicolored pattern on thesubstrate based upon a digital graphic image stored on a conventionalcomputer (not shown). The digital graphic image may be generated on anyconventional computer preferably using commercially available software,such as Adobe Illustrator®, commercially available from Adobe SystemsIncorporated of Palo Alto, Calif., or Paint Shop Pro™, commerciallyavailable from JASC Software, Inc. of Eden Prairie, Minn. The digitalgraphic image preferably has the characteristics of the multicoloredpattern. The small uncolored regions are preferably formed in thedigital graphic image by a filtering process via suitable software suchas Adobe Illustrator or JASC Paint Shop Pro. Preferably, the density ofthe uncolored regions (i.e., the number of uncolored regions per unitarea) or the size of each uncolored region are greater closer to theinner and outer peripheries of the multicolored pattern 26 than towardthe mid-range of the pattern so that the pattern has less colorant nearthe inner and outer peripheries. The filtering process could be employedin a manner to create a varying density and/or size of uncolored regionsfrom the inner periphery to the outer periphery.

[0041]FIG. 9 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a multicoloredpattern, generally indicated at 126. The multicolored pattern 126 may besimilar to the multicolored pattern 26 of FIG. 1. However, themulticolored pattern 126 preferably has a varying density and/or size ofuncolored regions. The multicolored pattern 126 comprises a plurality ofcolor elements. The pattern 126 comprises an annular-shaped outer region130, an annular-shaped intermediate region 132, and an annular-shapedinner region 134. The outer region 130 generally circumscribes theintermediate region 132, and the intermediate region circumscribes theinner region 134. The outer region 130 has a first plurality ofgenerally uncolored regions 140 defined by some of the colored elements.The outer region might or might not extend to the outer periphery of themulticolored pattern 126. In the present embodiment, the outer region130 does not extend out to the outer periphery. The intermediate region132 has a second plurality of generally uncolored regions 142 defined bysome of the colored elements. The inner region 134 has a third pluralityof generally uncolored regions 144 defined by some of the coloredelements. The first plurality of the generally uncolored regions 140combine to have a first aggregate uncolored area. The second pluralityof the generally uncolored regions 142 combine to have a secondaggregate uncolored area. The third plurality of the generally uncoloredregions 144 combine to have a third aggregate uncolored area.Preferably, the multicolored pattern includes a corona-shaped region150, having an irregular-shaped corona boundary 152. The multicoloredpattern 126 preferably has outer, intermediate, and inner uncoloredratios R₁, R₂, R₃, respectively. The outer uncolored ratio R₁ is thefirst aggregate uncolored area divided by the total area of the outerregion 130. The intermediate uncolored ratio R₂ is the second aggregateuncolored area divided by the total area of the intermediate region 132.The inner uncolored ratio R₃ is the third aggregate uncolored areadivided by the total area of the inner region 134. Preferably the ratioR₁ is less than the ratio R₂, and the ratio R₂ is less than the ratioR₃. Also preferably, at least 60% of the first aggregate uncolored areais comprised of generally uncolored regions each having an area notgreater than approximately 900 square microns, and at least 50% of thethird aggregate uncolored area is comprised of generally uncoloredregions each having an area greater than approximately 900 squaremicrons.

[0042] The multicolor pattern 126 is preferably formed in a manner asset forth in FIG. 10. First, an original iris image (not shown) isstored in a computer (not shown). The initial iris image is generallyannular in shape and is preferably an intricate, multicolor iris image.The initial iris image comprises a plurality of color elements. Morepreferably, the initial iris image is a digital iris image of an actualhuman iris (e.g., a digital photograph of an actual human iris). Second,a filtering process is applied to the initial iris image in a manner toreplace at least portions of at least some of the color elements withgenerally uncolored regions to form a filtered iris image, e.g., themulticolored pattern 126. Third, a printer apparatus (such as thatdescribed above) is used, in communication with the computer, in amanner to print the filtered iris image on a contact lens substrate.

[0043] Preferably, the color elements of the initial iris image comprisea plurality of pixels. The initial iris image preferably has 1440 dotsper inch (dpi) or 1440 pixels per inch. Assuming the initial iris imagehas an outer diameter of 0.39″ and an inner diameter (i.e., pupildiameter) of 0.168″, the initial iris image comprises approximately202,000 pixels. A plurality of regions (e.g., an inner region, anintermediate region, and an outer region) are assigned to the initialiris image. Preferably, the inner region has an outer boundary with aradius of 0.15278″ (i.e., a diameter of 220 pixels). Preferably, theintermediate region has an outer boundary with a diameter of 0.2084″(i.e., 300 pixels). The inner boundary of the intermediate region is thesame as the outer boundary of the inner region. Preferably, the outerregion has an outer boundary with a diameter of 0.3472″ and an innerboundary the same as the outer boundary of the intermediate region.

[0044] Preferably, the filtering process employs appropriate software,such as that described above with reference to filtering, to removepixels from each of the regions, and more preferably, to remove morepixels per unit area from the inner region than from the intermediateregion and to remove more pixels per unit area from the intermediateregion than from the outer region. The removed pixels form generallyuncolored regions to form the uncolored regions of the filtered imageprinted on the contact lens substrate.

[0045] Preferably, an irregular-shaped corona boundary is assigned tothe initial image. Some, but preferably not all, of the inner region ofthe initial image is surrounded by the corona boundary. For the portionof the inner region of the initial image surrounded by the coronaboundary, and starting at the inner periphery of the inner region, onepixel is removed approximately every 0.36 degrees circumferentiallyaround the image for each revolution and with each revolution beingstepped approximately 1.5 pixels radially outwardly. Some, butpreferably not all, of the intermediate region of the initial image issurrounded by the corona boundary. For the portion of the intermediateregion of the initial image surrounded by the corona boundary, andstarting at the inner periphery of the intermediate region, one pixel isremoved approximately every 0.54 degrees circumferentially around theimage for each revolution and with each revolution being steppedapproximately 1.5 pixels radially outwardly. Some, but preferably notall, of the outer region of the initial image is surrounded by thecorona boundary. For the portion of the outer region of the initialimage surrounded by the corona boundary, and starting at the innerperiphery of the outer region, one pixel is removed approximately every0.54 degrees circumferentially around the image for each revolution andwith each revolution being stepped approximately 2 pixels radiallyoutwardly. A 25% filter is then applied to the whole iris after all ofthe previous filtering has occurred to remove one of every four pixels.

[0046] The initial iris image has an aggregate color element areacomprising the combined area of all of the color elements (e.g., pixels)of the initial iris image. Preferably, at least about 20% of theaggregate color element area is replaced with the generally uncoloredregions during the filtering process. More particularly, the initialiris image has an outer aggregate color element area, an intermediateaggregate color element area, and an inner aggregate color element area.The outer aggregate color element area comprises the combined area ofall of the color elements (pixels) of the initial iris image within theouter region. The intermediate aggregate color element area comprisesthe combined area of all of the color elements (pixels) of the initialiris image within the intermediate region. The inner aggregate colorelement area comprises the combined area of all of the color elements(pixels) of the initial iris image within the inner region. During thefiltering process, a percentage P_(o) of the outer aggregate colorelement area is replaced with the generally uncolored regions, apercentage P_(m) of the intermediate color element area is replaced withthe generally uncolored regions, and a percentage P_(i) of the inneraggregate color element area is replaced with the generally uncoloredregions. Preferably the percentage P_(o) is at least 20% and thepercentage P_(i) is at least 150% greater than the percentage P_(o).Preferably, the percentage P_(m) is greater than the percentage P_(o)and less than the percentage P_(i).

[0047] Leaving elements strategically uncolored on an otherwise opaquelens below visual acuity levels enables an increased amount of discreetindependent light interactions to occur which enables enough lightexchange to take place that the lens replication printed on the lensappears as a duplicate of the original iris image. In other words, thereis adequate interaction between the tiny uncolored openings and the iristo produce a realistic replication of a human iris once the lens isplaced over the wearer's iris.

[0048] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects ofthe invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

[0049] When introducing elements of the present invention or thepreferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the” and“said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements.The terms “comprising,” “including” and “having” are intended to beinclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than thelisted elements.

[0050] As various changes could be made in the above constructions andmethods without departing from the scope of the invention, it isintended that all matter contained in the above description or shown inthe accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and notin a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: storing a generallyannular-shaped initial iris image in a computer, the initial iris imagecomprising a plurality of color elements; applying a filtering processto the initial iris image in a manner to replace at least portions of atleast some of the color elements with generally uncolored regions toform a filtered iris image; using a printer apparatus, in communicationwith the computer, in a manner to print the filtered iris image on acontact lens substrate.
 2. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein thestep of storing the initial iris image in the computer comprises storingan intricate, multi-color iris image in the computer.
 3. A method as setforth in claim 1 wherein the step of storing the initial iris image inthe computer comprises storing in the computer a digital iris image ofan actual human iris.
 4. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein theinitial iris image has an aggregate color element area comprising thecombined area of all of the color elements of the initial iris image,and wherein at least about 20% of the aggregate color element area isreplaced with the generally uncolored regions during the step ofapplying the filtering process to the initial iris image.
 5. A method asset forth in claim 4 wherein the generally uncolored regions comprise aplurality of discrete generally uncolored regions.
 6. A method as setforth in claim 1 wherein: the initial iris image comprises a generallyannular-shaped outer region and a generally annular-shaped inner region,the outer region circumscribing the inner region, the initial iris imagehaving an outer aggregate color element area and an inner aggregatecolor element area, the outer aggregate color element area comprisingthe combined area of all of the color elements of the initial iris imagewithin the outer region, the inner aggregate color element areacomprising the combined area of all of the color elements of the initialiris image within the inner region; a percentage P_(o) of the outeraggregate color element area is replaced with the generally uncoloredregions during the step of applying the filtering process to the initialiris image, the percentage P_(o) being at least 20%; and a percentageP_(i) of the inner aggregate color element area is replaced with thegenerally uncolored regions during the step of applying the filteringprocess to the initial iris image, the percentage P_(i) being at least20%.
 7. A method as set forth in claim 6 wherein the percentage P_(i) isgreater than the percentage P_(o).
 8. A method as set forth in claim 6wherein the percentage P_(i) is at least 150% greater than thepercentage P_(o).
 9. A method as set forth in claim 6 wherein: theinitial iris image comprises a generally annular-shaped mid-region, themid-region circumscribing the inner region and being circumscribed bythe outer region, the initial iris image having a mid-aggregate colorelement area comprising the combined area of all of the color elementsof the initial iris image within the mid-region; a percentage P_(m) ofthe mid-aggregate color element area is replaced with the generallyuncolored regions during the step of applying the filtering process tothe initial iris image, the percentage P_(m) being greater than thepercentage P_(o) and less than the percentage P_(i).
 10. A method as setforth in claim 1 wherein the step of using the printer apparatuscomprises using an ink-jet printer apparatus in a manner to print thefiltered iris image on the contact lens substrate.
 11. A method as setforth in claim 10 wherein the step of using the ink-jet printerapparatus comprises using the ink-jet printer apparatus to apply aplurality of colorants to the contact lens substrate.
 12. A coloredcontact lens comprising: a generally uncolored pupil region; a generallyannular-shaped iris region surrounding the pupil region and adapted tocover at least 80% of a wearer's iris when the wearer is wearing thecontact lens; and a multicolored pattern on the iris region, themulticolored pattern being sufficiently colored to change the apparentcolor of an iris of a person wearing the contact lens, the multicoloredpattern comprising a plurality of color elements; more than 1000discrete generally uncolored regions being defined by the colorelements, at least 1000 of the discrete generally uncolored regionsbeing sufficiently small such that an ordinary viewer viewing thecontact lens from a distance of sixteen inches cannot detect thepresence of any of the at least 1000 generally uncolored regions whenthe wearer is wearing the contact lens, the ordinary viewer having 20/20vision.
 13. A colored contact lens as set forth in claim 12 wherein theat least 1000 of the discrete generally uncolored regions aresufficiently large such that the at least 1000 discrete generallyuncolored regions contribute to the overall appearance of the contactlens as viewed by the ordinary viewer from a distance of sixteen inches.14. A colored contact lens as set forth in claim 13 wherein the morethan 1000 discrete generally uncolored regions comprises more than 5,000discrete generally uncolored regions.
 15. A colored contact lens as setforth in claim 13 wherein the more than 1000 discrete generallyuncolored regions comprises more than 10,000 discrete generallyuncolored regions.
 16. A colored contact lens as set forth in claim 15wherein at least 5,000 of the discrete generally uncolored regions aresufficiently small such that an ordinary viewer viewing the contact lensfrom a distance of sixteen inches cannot detect the presence of any ofthe at least 5,000 generally uncolored regions when the wearer iswearing the contact lens.
 17. A colored contact lens comprising: agenerally uncolored pupil region; a generally annular-shaped iris regionsurrounding the pupil region and adapted to cover at least 80% of awearer's iris when the wearer is wearing the contact lens; amulticolored pattern on the iris region, the multicolored pattern beingsufficiently colored to change the apparent color of an iris of a personwearing the contact lens, the multicolored pattern comprising aplurality of color elements; and a plurality of discrete generallyuncolored regions defined by at least some of the color elements, thegenerally uncolored regions being sufficiently small such that anordinary viewer viewing the contact lens from a distance of sixteeninches cannot detect the presence of the generally uncolored regionswhen the wearer is wearing the contact lens, the generally uncoloredregions being sufficiently large such that the generally uncoloredregions contribute to the overall appearance of the contact lens asviewed by the ordinary viewer from a distance of sixteen inches, theordinary viewer having 20/20 vision.
 18. A colored contact lens as setforth in claim 17 wherein each of at least a majority of the generallyuncolored regions of said plurality of generally uncolored regions hasan area of not greater than approximately 1200 square microns.
 19. Acolored contact lens comprising: a generally uncolored pupil region; agenerally annular-shaped iris region surrounding the pupil region andadapted to cover at least 80% of a wearer's iris when the wearer iswearing the contact lens; a multicolored pattern on the iris region, themulticolored pattern being sufficiently colored to change the apparentcolor of an iris of a person wearing the contact lens, the multicoloredpattern comprising a plurality of discrete color regions, generallyuncolored interstices between at least some of the discrete colorregions, the interstices being sufficiently small such that an ordinaryviewer viewing the contact lens from a distance of sixteen inches cannotdetect the presence of the interstices when the wearer is wearing thecontact lens, the interstices being sufficiently large such that theinterstices contribute to the overall appearance of the contact lens asviewed by the ordinary viewer from a distance of sixteen inches, theordinary viewer having 20/20 vision.
 20. A colored contact lenscomprising: a generally uncolored pupil region; a generallyannular-shaped iris region surrounding the pupil region and adapted tocover at least 80% of a wearer's iris when the wearer is wearing thecontact lens; a multicolored pattern on the iris region, themulticolored pattern being sufficiently colored to change the apparentcolor of an iris of a person wearing the contact lens, the multicoloredpattern comprising a plurality of color elements, the multicoloredpattern comprising an annular-shaped outer region and an annular-shapedinner region, the outer region generally circumscribing the innerregion, the outer region having a first plurality of generally uncoloredregions defined by some of the colored elements, the inner region havinga second plurality of generally uncolored regions defined by some of thecolored elements, the first plurality of the generally uncolored regionscombining to have a first aggregate uncolored area, the second pluralityof the generally uncolored region combining to have a second aggregateuncolored area, at least 60% of the first aggregate uncolored area beingcomprised of generally uncolored regions each having an area not greaterthan approximately 900 square microns, at least 50% of the secondaggregate uncolored area being comprised of generally uncolored regionseach having an area greater than approximately 900 square microns.
 21. Acolored contact lens comprising: a generally uncolored pupil region; agenerally annular-shaped iris region surrounding the pupil region andadapted to cover at least 80% of a wearer's iris when the wearer iswearing the contact lens; a multicolored pattern on the iris region, themulticolored pattern being sufficiently colored to change the apparentcolor of an iris of a person wearing the contact lens, the multicoloredpattern comprising a plurality of color elements, the multicoloredpattern comprising an annular-shaped outer region and an annular shapedinner region, the outer region generally circumscribing the innerregion, the outer region having a first plurality of generally uncoloredregions defined by some of the colored elements, the inner region havinga second plurality of generally uncolored regions defined by some of thecolored elements, each of at least 60% of the generally uncoloredregions of the first plurality of generally uncolored regions having anarea not greater than approximately 900 square microns, each of at least50% of the generally uncolored regions of the second plurality ofgenerally uncolored regions having an area greater than approximately900 square microns.